Year 8
The End of an Epic Term
After a marathon eleven weeks, including a raft of assessments, a shift from Summer to Winter Sport, a brief Easter respite and then a shifting of clocks forwards one hour, the Term 1 finish line is finally in sight! It has definitely been a busy start to the year and I am proud of how well our cohort has navigated the challenges faced in their first term of Year 8.
Amidst the helter-skelter, there have been some wonderful moments where our Year 8 cohort’s spirit and connection to our Redlands Values have really stood out this term, including the Swimming Carnival, Year 8
Camp, the Legally Blonde musical and the Cross Country Carnival, just to name a few! There has been an evident sense of compassion and support for each other across the term, and a real dedication to achieving their best in academic and cocurricular pursuits. The Tutors and I have been really pleased to see some wonderful growth in our young students since their Yr 7 days.
Tuesday was a great example of some of these elements on display, as the School celebrated International Day. Priding itself on our diverse student body and internationally minded educational practices, International Day is always a day of great significance for our school. It provides a unique opportunity for us to explore and value the diverse cultures, traditions and perspectives that exist within our School. Led by our wonderful Languages Department teachers, the International Day activities help students to appreciate and respect the richness of human diversity, developing empathy, tolerance and global awareness – essential qualities in today’s interconnected world. And, it is also a great opportunity to share the wonderful cuisines that stem from our rich international cultures and this was certainly an opportunity Yr 8 availed themselves of! A huge thank you to all the staff and students who were involved in coordinating the day and making it such an enjoyable one.
Exploring Relationships
This week, in Tutor Time, our wonderful Tutors have been supporting our Yr 8 students in navigating the sometimes tricky topic of relationships, including helping them to understand the importance of respectful connections with others, appreciating the significance of consent and considering the needs of those with whom they connect. The program, coordinated by In Your Skin culminates in a relationships day next term, where students are given an opportunity to engage in workshops where they will talk through relationships in a supportive space, giving them important skills and understanding for navigating their relationships with others.
These conversations require students to show maturity and respect to others around them and it has been pleasing to see our Yr 8s embrace the opportunity to discuss such topics in their Tutor groups.
Have a Wonderful Holiday Break
Ms Wang and I want to wish everyone a wonderful holiday break. Hopefully, it gives our students time to relax, recharge and reconnect with family and friends. We look forward to seeing everyone back, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for Term 2!
Key Dates and Upcoming Events
- Term 1 Ends: Friday 12 April
- Term 2 Commences: Tuesday 30 April
Rise to the Challenge: Join the 2024 Balmoral Burn Schools Relay
Get ready to unleash your potential and join the 2024 Balmoral Burn Schools Relay! Students from Years 7–12, get ready to conquer Sydney’s steepest street in Mosman for a noble cause. Join Redlands for the Humpy Dumpty Balmoral Burn Schools Relay on 26 May, 7:30 to 9:30 am. This event isn’t just about the challenge; it supports sick children nationwide. Founded by Phil Kearns AM to thank the Royal North Shore Hospital, the Balmoral Burn aids hospitals through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Students can form teams of four, aiming to raise $250 per team for the cause. Separate races will be held for boys and girls. Email Mr. Walker your team by the end of Week 1, Term 2, to participate. Let’s unite as a community and make a difference. For more information, check the Secondary Sports section of Note Day.
Mr Jimmy Tod-Hill
Year 8 Advisor
jtodhill@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9908 6462